[August 10, 8:27 PM — A sniper incident occurred in front of Otomo Department Store, Beika Town.]

[The victim: Takuma Shimakage, age 41, profession: photographer.]

[At the time of the incident, the victim was walking with a female companion when a bullet shot from a nearby building struck him in the head, killing him instantly.]

[According to our reporter's investigation, Shimakage was known for deceiving and secretly photographing women, storing private images, and using them for blackmail. The total amount involved had reached 2.71 million yen.]

In the electronics store window, a row of televisions broadcast the same segment from Nichimai TV News.

Several passersby stopped to watch. The source of this content ɪs NoveI~Fire.net

Some groups caught wind of the story through their smartphones, casually commenting:

"Is it just me, or are sniper incidents getting more frequent lately?"

"Yeah, and it's always those disgusting scumbags getting killed."

"Could there be some kind of 'vigilante of justice' punishing them?"

"That's hilarious."

"I mean… if that were true, maybe it's not such a bad thing…"

A white Mercedes E-210W cruised through the streets.

At the final red light, Hayashi Yoshiki took the chance to send a quick text. When the light changed, he stepped on the gas and drove into the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's lot, parking his car.

"Good morning, Mr. Hayashi."

"Good morning."

"Would you like a can of coffee?"

"Thanks, but I'll pass today."

As Hayashi Yoshiki entered the building, many officers greeted him.

He returned each smile and wave courteously before walking into a nondescript office.

"Consultant, here's the case report from last night... While there weren't any unusual deaths this time, considering its possible connection to earlier sniper cases, we decided to pull the records."

"Thank you. I appreciate your efforts."

Hayashi Yoshiki began reviewing the report.

There wasn't much to analyze—the police had only deduced possible sniper positions based on light angles and bullet trajectory. Most of it was standard victim-background work to determine if revenge was involved...

But Kevin Yoshino's sniper skills were exceptional. His shots came from incredible distances, and he was a master at counter-surveillance. The police had barely obtained any solid leads.

The young officer who handed over the file sighed.

"It's a shame the higher-ups shrank our special unit into something this... insignificant. We can't even investigate properly anymore. All we do is document things after the fact."

"No need to feel discouraged," Yoshiki replied with a smile. "The leadership does need to think about how to allocate manpower wisely."

"I guess I just feel bad," the officer said, scratching the back of his head. "You're always working so hard, but it feels like we're the ones holding you back..."

Hayashi Yoshiki chuckled.

"That's not holding me back. Documentation is vital. Someday, all this data might be useful — just like how we solve cold cases using old reports. I know it's tedious. Does it ever bore you?"

"Not at all, sir. I'm a desk officer anyway."

"I see..."

After thanking him and having the files collected, Hayashi Yoshiki stepped out—

Only to hear a sudden commotion from deeper inside the building.

"Yes! Just wait for the good news! This time, the plan is foolproof! I will catch Kaito Kid!"

A familiar voice echoed through the hallway.

Inspector Ginzo Nakamori, brimming with energy, burst out of his office and immediately spotted Hayashi Yoshiki standing nearby.

"Oi! Wait up, Mr. Hayashi!"

He strode over enthusiastically.

"Inspector Nakamori," Yoshiki greeted him with a smile. "Has Kaito Kid made another move?"

"Yes! That damn thief is targeting a gem housed in the Beika Museum! He even sent us a heist notice!"

Nakamori clenched his fists, filled with both excitement and frustration—his eternal dilemma.

He hated Kid's arrogance, but whenever the phantom thief disappeared for too long, he grew restless.

"This time, I will catch him red-handed!"

His eyes burned with resolve as he looked at Hayashi Yoshiki.

"Mr. Hayashi, last time on the Suzuki airship we couldn't nab him... Would you be willing to lend a hand this time?"

Until now, Nakamori rarely relied on outside help for his Kid investigations.

He occasionally accepted support, but always preferred to catch the thief using only police resources.

But when it came to Hayashi Yoshiki, he welcomed him with open arms.

After all, unlike those arrogant private detectives, Yoshiki was polite, respectful, and had twice delivered the captured Kid into Nakamori's hands—never complaining even when Kid later escaped due to Nakamori's own mistakes.

What a generous man!

"Lend a hand, huh…" Hayashi Yoshiki considered.

"Come on! This time I've got a secret weapon ready! With your help covering the gaps, we will catch that slippery thief!"

"Secret weapon…?"

"Hahaha! This time I've prepared—"

As he caught Yoshiki's curious gaze, Nakamori paused, then cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Sorry, Mr. Hayashi, but… You don't mind if I confirm you're not Kaito Kid in disguise, right?"

"If I said I did mind, I doubt you'd let me leave anyway, would you?"

"Ahaha, of course not!"

Though Nakamori laughed, his eyes were sharp.

He'd been burned too many times—Kid had impersonated cops, infiltrated squads… He couldn't be too careful anymore.

With no choice, Hayashi Yoshiki tugged at his own face to prove his identity.

Once satisfied, Nakamori immediately began animatedly explaining his plan.

Yoshiki listened carefully, surprised.

The mention of the gem at the Beika Museum hadn't struck a chord at first…

But hearing Nakamori's setup now—

Ah... So it's that incident.

His interest had been piqued.